Advocacy

Legislative Priorities in 2026

Health center funding: Government funding, including approximately $6 billion in funding for CHCs, expired on January 30, 2026. Congress must act to protect patient access to CHCs.
340B Drug Pricing Program: The 340B program, created by Congress in 1992, requires drug manufacturers to provide discounts on certain medications to community health centers like North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN). The savings from these discounts help us expand healthcare access in our community and keep your prescriptions affordable.
Medicaid: CHCs and the Medicaid program share a goal of making healthcare more affordable for Americans. CHCs are a key partner for Medicaid as it seeks innovative solutions to improve health while lowering costs.
Workforce investment: Health centers need public policies that contribute to a robust primary care workforce that is ready and willing to fill current staffing needs at health centers, as well as serve that role into the future.
Telehealth: CHCs pioneered the use of telehealth technology to expand access to comprehensive services, especially behavioral health, in hard-to-reach rural and underserved communities. Congressional action is needed to protect patient access to telehealth at CHCs.

Federal Updates

Follow the link to contact your federal representatives and share your concerns:

Pass legislation to increase funding for community health centers (CHCs)

Please choose North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN) in the “Organization” section of the form. You may modify the email template provided or submit it as is.

Your Federal Representatives

State Updates

With effective advocacy efforts from the Washington Association for Community Health, the State Legislature passed a supplemental Operating Budget on March 12, 2026, that closed a $4 billion deficit without significant cuts to health care safety net providers like NOHN. Specifically, our access to 340B revenue was preserved and expanded while the Dental benefit was maintained for adults with Medicaid. We are grateful to our local legislators for leading the way on ensuring those protections.